Refrigeration appliances

Abstract

This invention provides a refrigeration appliance. The refrigeration appliance includes an ice-making chamber with an opening. An ice maker and an ice storage box are installed inside the ice-making chamber, with the ice storage box comprising a body that is open at one end facing the chamber opening. The ice storage box also includes a shielding portion at the open end of the body and a first connecting member disposed away from the open end. The shielding portion is at least partially expandable towards the chamber opening. The body is suspended inside the ice-making chamber via the first connecting member and can pivot around the first connecting member. This design facilitates ice retrieval for the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliances, and more particularly to a refrigeration appliance for making ice. Background Technology

[0002] An ice storage box is a structure in an ice-making device used to store ice cubes. After the ice maker finishes making ice, the ice cubes fall from the ice mold and naturally fall into the ice storage box located below the ice maker under the influence of gravity, thus storing the ice for the user. In existing technology, the ice storage box is usually placed on the bottom wall of the ice-making chamber, and the user retrieves the ice by pulling out the ice storage box. However, this design has the following drawback: because the ice maker blocks the ice retrieval opening of the ice storage box, the user has to remove the ice storage box when they need to get ice, which is very inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigeration appliance that makes it easy for users to obtain ice.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a refrigeration appliance, including an ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber includes a chamber opening, an ice maker is installed inside the ice-making chamber, and an ice storage box is disposed below the ice maker. The ice storage box includes a box body, with one end of the box body open towards the chamber opening to form an open end. The ice storage box also includes a shielding part disposed at the open end of the box body and a first connecting member disposed away from the open end. The shielding part is at least partially expandable towards the chamber opening, and the box body is suspended and installed inside the ice-making chamber via the first connecting member and is pivotable around the first connecting member.

[0005] As a further improvement of the present invention, the shielding part includes a first wall, the bottom of the first wall being pivotally connected to the bottom of the box body to open and close the open end, and the first wall being pivotable outward from the position where the open end is closed by less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the shielding part includes a first wall, which is fixedly connected to the box body and closes the open end. The shielding part also includes a second wall that at least partially overlaps with the first wall and can slide upward relative to the first wall.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the left and right sides of the first wall extend toward the box body to form a first shielding wall and a second shielding wall arranged symmetrically. When the open end is opened, the first shielding wall and the second shielding wall partially overlap with the left and right side walls of the box body.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the left and right side walls of the box are recessed to form a first recess and a second recess for accommodating the first shielding wall and the second shielding wall, respectively. When the open end is closed, the first shielding wall and the second shielding wall are respectively stacked on the left and right side walls of the box.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the shielding portion further includes a second wall that at least partially overlaps with the first wall and is slidable upward relative to the first wall.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first connector is connected to the ice maker, and the ice storage box is suspended and installed on the ice maker.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the shielding part is provided with an operating member for unfolding the shielding part, the operating member including a locking structure for locking the shielding part to the ice maker.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the ice maker is provided with guide grooves symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. The first connecting structure includes a first roller that cooperates with the guide groove. A second roller that cooperates with the guide groove is also provided on one side of the open end of the box body. The guide groove is provided with an opening facing the chamber opening. The second roller can enter and exit the guide groove from the opening.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the bottom wall at the opening of the guide groove protrudes upward to form a stop portion, and the end of the guide groove away from the opening portion is closed.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a technical solution by pivotally suspending an ice storage box in the ice-making chamber, with one end of the ice storage box facing the opening of the ice-making chamber forming an open end. The ice storage box also includes a shielding part disposed at the open end of the box body, and the shielding part can at least partially unfold towards the opening of the chamber. The advantages of this solution are: it can reduce the obstruction of the ice storage box by the ice maker, making it easier for users to take ice. It is simple, labor-saving, and easy to operate, meeting various ice-taking needs of users. At the same time, it can prevent ice from accumulating in places that are not easy to take ice for a long time, and it can also shield the ice to prevent it from falling. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the ice storage box of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1The diagram shows the ice storage box with its front end closed and the ice pusher positioned in the ice storage area.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an ice storage box with an open front end forming an ice guiding channel.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the ice pusher.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the ice storage box of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the ice pusher.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the ice storage box and ice maker shown;

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the outward expansion of the ice storage box's shielding section;

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows the ice storage box pivoting relative to the ice maker.

[0026] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows the ice storage box pivoting relative to the ice maker and the shielding part extending outwards;

[0027] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows an ice storage box that pivots relative to the ice maker and forms an ice guiding channel.

[0028] Figure 13 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the guide component of the ice maker.

[0029] Figure 14 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the ice storage box operating component;

[0030] Figure 15 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the second specific embodiment of the ice storage box and ice maker shown;

[0031] Figure 16 yes Figure 15The diagram shows the ice storage box pivoting relative to the ice maker and the shielding part extending outwards;

[0032] Figure 17 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the third embodiment of the ice storage box and ice maker. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Figures 1 to 4 The first embodiment of the ice storage box 100 of the present invention is shown.

[0035] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the ice storage box 100 may include a box body 10, an ice pusher 20 disposed inside the box body 10, and a handle 30 connected to the ice pusher 20. The handle 30 is located on the outside of the box body 10. The box body 10 has an open end 11. The ice pusher 20 can reciprocate between an ice storage position 40 away from the open end 11 and an ice dispensing position 41 close to the open end 11.

[0036] The box body 10 may include a bottom wall 12, a left side wall 13, a right side wall 14, and a rear wall 15. The front end of the box body 10 is open, forming the open end 11. The ice pusher 20 reciprocates along the front-back direction of the box body 10.

[0037] Ice blocks can be placed between the open end 11 and the ice pusher 20.

[0038] The ice storage position 40 can refer to the position of the ice pusher 20 when the volume for storing ice is at its maximum between the open end 11 and the ice pusher 20. In this specific embodiment, the ice storage position 40 can refer to the rear end of the box body 10.

[0039] The ice-discharging position 41 can refer to the position where the ice-pushing component 20 pushes the ice block towards the open end 11. In this embodiment, any position between the front and rear ends of the box body 10 can be referred to as the ice-discharging position 41. When the ice-pushing component is in the ice-discharging position, it can push or push the ice block in the ice storage box towards or out of the open end 11.

[0040] When a user needs to store ice, the ice pusher 20 is in the ice storage position 40, which can store ice to the maximum extent.

[0041] When a user needs to retrieve ice, the ice pusher 20 moves from the ice storage position 40 to the ice dispensing position 41, which can push the ice block toward the open end 11 or push the ice block out of the open end 11.

[0042] This structural design allows ice to gather closer to the user's ice-collecting side, making it easier for the user to collect the ice. It prevents ice from accumulating in the ice storage box 100 in inconvenient locations for long periods, ensuring that ice produced in the same batch can be used as quickly as possible, guaranteeing the quality of the ice. The structure is simple and easy to operate.

[0043] In addition, the open design at the front end of the box 10 allows ice to be dispensed directly by the ice pusher 20. Users can easily obtain ice by placing containers such as ice buckets under the open end 11 without having to find other ice-retrieving devices, making it more convenient for users to obtain ice.

[0044] Preferably, the top of the box 10 can also be open. This arrangement allows ice to be placed into the ice storage box 100 from the top, facilitating ice storage. At the same time, users can easily remove ice from the top opening of the box 10, making it more convenient for users and meeting various user needs.

[0045] Furthermore, the box body 10 includes two side walls extending parallel to the reciprocating direction of the ice pusher 20, and the ice pusher 20 includes an ice pusher plate 21 placed between the side walls. The distance between the edge of the ice pusher plate 21 and the side walls is less than the minimum size of the ice block stored in the ice storage box 100.

[0046] In this embodiment, the sidewalls extending parallel to the reciprocating movement direction of the ice pusher 20 can be the left side wall 13 and the right side wall 14 of the box body 10.

[0047] This configuration ensures that the ice block is always located between the ice pusher 20 and the open end 11, preventing the ice block from leaking from the gap between the ice pusher 21 and the side wall of the box 10 to the back of the ice pusher 20, thus ensuring the ice storage box 100 has the desired ice storage and dispensing effect.

[0048] In this embodiment, the box body 10 may also omit the rear wall 15, meaning the rear end of the box body 10 is open. This configuration simplifies the structure of the box body 10 and reduces its production cost.

[0049] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the ice-pushing component 20 further includes a stop plate formed by extending the edge of the ice-pushing plate 21 toward the open end 11, and the stop plate is in contact with the side wall of the box body 10.

[0050] The stop plate may include a left stop plate 22 that contacts the left side wall 13 of the box body 10, a right stop plate 23 that contacts the right side wall 14 of the box body 10, and a lower stop plate 24 that contacts the bottom wall 12 of the box body 10.

[0051] This design ensures that the ice cubes remain between the ice-pushing component 20 and the open end 11, preventing ice from leaking through the gap between the ice-pushing component 20 and the box body 10 to the rear of the ice-pushing component 20, thus guaranteeing the ice storage and dispensing effect of the ice storage box 100. Furthermore, the stop plate also provides support and limits, ensuring the stability and reliability of the ice-pushing component 20 during operation and preventing it from rotating or shaking.

[0052] The stop plate can be inclined towards the wall surface 25 of the open end 11. Specifically, the inner edge of this wall surface can be rounded. This arrangement reduces the resistance between the ice block and the ice pusher 20 during the ice removal process, making it more labor-saving and convenient.

[0053] In this embodiment, the edge of the ice-pushing plate 21 can also extend along the side wall of the box body 10 in a direction away from the stop plate. This arrangement can provide support and limit the movement, ensuring the stability and reliability of the ice-pushing component 20 during operation and preventing the ice-pushing component 20 from rotating or shaking.

[0054] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a guide portion 50 connected to the ice pusher 20 is provided on the side wall of the box body.

[0055] The guide portion 50 may be a strip-shaped opening 51 extending back and forth on the left and right side walls 14 of the box body 10. The extension trajectory of the strip-shaped opening 51 matches the movement trajectory of the ice pusher 20. The left stop plate 22 and the right stop plate 23 of the ice pusher 20 are provided with connecting posts 26 that can slide within the strip-shaped opening 51.

[0056] With this configuration, the guide part 50 can play a limiting and guiding role, allowing the ice pusher 20 to move back and forth between the ice storage position 40 and the ice storage position 40, ensuring the stability and reliability of the movement process.

[0057] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the ice pusher 20 and the handle 30 can be connected by threads. The handle 30 is connected to the connecting post 26. This arrangement facilitates user operation of the handle 30 and the ice pusher 20, ensures reliable connection, simple structure, and convenient disassembly and replacement.

[0058] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a return mechanism may be provided between the ice-pushing component 20 and the box body 10. The return mechanism is used to drive the ice-pushing component 20 to return from the ice-dispensing position 41 to the ice-storing position 40. This configuration enables the ice-pushing component 20 to automatically return to the ice-storing position 40, ensuring that the ice storage box 100 can always store ice to the maximum extent in the ice-storing state, simplifying manual operation for users and making it more labor-saving and convenient.

[0059] The recovery mechanism can be an elastic element disposed between the ice pusher plate 21 and the rear wall 15 of the box body 10. This configuration is simple in structure, has good recovery effect, is easy to disassemble and assemble, and is inexpensive.

[0060] Furthermore, a shielding part 60 may be provided at the open end 11. The shielding part 60 includes a first wall 61. The bottom of the first wall 61 is pivotally connected to the bottom of the box body 10 to open and close the open end 11. The first wall 61 can pivot outward less than or equal to 90 degrees from the position where the open end 11 is closed.

[0061] Users can control the pivot angle of the blocking part 60 to determine the opening degree of the open end 11 as needed. When users want to take a small amount of ice, they can open the open end 11 to a smaller angle, and when users want to take a larger amount of ice, they can open it to a larger angle.

[0062] For example, a user can rotate the shielding part 60 outward by 90 degrees to form an ice guiding channel 70 with the box body 10. The user only needs to place the ice bucket or other container at the opening of the ice guiding channel 70 and pull the ice pusher 20 to the appropriate position to take out an appropriate amount of ice.

[0063] This design makes it easy for users to take ice, meets various user needs, and prevents ice from leaking out from the open end 11.

[0064] The bottom two sides of the first wall 61 can be provided with pivots, and the left and right side walls 14 of the box body 10 can be provided with shaft holes that mate with the pivots. This configuration results in a simple structure, convenient installation, and low cost.

[0065] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the left and right sides of the first wall 61 may extend toward the box body 10 to form a first shielding wall 62 and a second shielding wall 63 arranged symmetrically. When the open end 11 is opened, the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 may partially overlap with the left and right side walls of the box body 10. The left and right side walls of the box body 10 may be recessed to form a first recessed portion 16 and a second recessed portion 17 for accommodating the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63, respectively. When the open end 11 is closed, the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 may be stacked on the left and right side walls of the box body 10, respectively.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 can be 90-degree fan-shaped plates. The outer edges of the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 can be rounded. This arrangement facilitates the pivoting of the shielding part 60, ensures the shielding effect, effectively prevents ice cubes from falling, and also ensures the smooth sliding of the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 within the first recess 16 and the second recess 17.

[0067] The first recess 16 and the second recess 17 can be formed on the inner sides of the left and right side walls 14 of the box body 10. The sum of the wall thickness of the first shielding wall 62 and the wall thickness at the first recess 16 can be equal to the wall thickness of the left side wall 13 of the box body 10. The sum of the wall thickness of the second shielding wall 63 and the wall thickness at the second recess 17 can be equal to the wall thickness of the right side wall 14 of the box body 10. This arrangement ensures that the inner and outer surfaces of the left and right sides of the ice storage box 100 are complete planes, preventing interference, and also enables the concealed installation of the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63.

[0068] Figures 5 to 6 A second embodiment of the ice storage box 100 of the present invention is shown.

[0069] Reference Figure 5-6 The ice storage box 100 may include a box body 10, an ice pusher 20 disposed inside the box body 10, and a handle 30 connected to the ice pusher 20. The handle 30 is located on the outside of the box body 10. The box body 10 has an open end 11. The ice pusher 20 can reciprocate between an ice storage position 40 away from the open end 11 and an ice dispensing position 41 close to the open end 11.

[0070] The ice storage box 100 includes a bottom wall 12, a left side wall 13, a right side wall 14, a front side wall 18, and a rear side wall 19. The upper end of the box body 10 is open, forming the open end 11. The ice pusher 20 can reciprocate along the vertical direction of the box body 10.

[0071] Ice blocks can be placed between the open end 11 and the ice pusher 20.

[0072] The ice storage position 40 can refer to the position of the ice pusher 20 when the volume for storing ice is at its maximum between the open end 11 and the ice pusher 20. In this specific embodiment, the ice storage position 40 can refer to the bottom end of the box body 10.

[0073] The ice-dispensing position 41 can refer to the position where the ice pusher 20 pushes the ice block toward the open end 11. In this specific embodiment, any position between the upper and lower ends of the box 10 can refer to the ice-dispensing position 41.

[0074] When a user needs to store ice, the ice pusher 20 is in the ice storage position 40, which can store ice to the maximum extent.

[0075] When a user needs to retrieve ice, the ice pusher 20 moves from the ice storage position 40 to the ice dispensing position 41 to push the ice block toward the open end 11.

[0076] This structural design allows ice to gather closer to the user's ice-collecting side, making it easier for the user to collect the ice. At the same time, it prevents ice from accumulating in the ice storage box 100 in inconvenient locations for a long time, ensuring that ice produced in the same batch can be used as soon as possible, guaranteeing the quality of the ice. The structure is simple and easy to operate.

[0077] The top of the box 10 is open, allowing ice to be placed into the ice storage box 100 from above. At the same time, users can take ice out of the box 10 from the top opening, which simplifies the structure of the ice storage box 100 and facilitates its manufacturing and installation.

[0078] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the box body 10 includes a side wall extending along a direction parallel to the reciprocating movement of the ice pusher 20, the ice pusher 20 includes an ice pusher plate 21 disposed between the side walls, and the distance between the edge of the ice pusher plate 21 and the side wall is less than the minimum size of the ice block stored in the ice storage box 100.

[0079] In this embodiment, the sidewalls extending along the reciprocating direction parallel to the ice pusher 20 can refer to the left side wall 13, right side wall 14, front side wall 18, and rear side wall 19 of the box body 10.

[0080] This configuration ensures that the ice block is always located between the ice pusher 20 and the open end 11, preventing the ice block from leaking from the gap between the ice pusher 21 and the side wall of the box 10 to the bottom of the ice pusher 20, thus ensuring the ice storage box 100 has the desired ice storage and dispensing effect.

[0081] In this embodiment, the box body 10 may also omit the bottom wall 12, meaning the bottom of the box body 10 is open. This simplifies the structure of the box body 10 and reduces its production cost.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ice pusher 20 further includes a stop plate formed by extending the edge of the ice pusher 21 toward the open end 11, and the stop plate is in contact with the side wall of the box body 10.

[0083] The stop plates may include a left stop plate 22 that contacts the left side wall 13 of the box body 10, a right stop plate 23 that contacts the right side wall 14 of the box body 10, a front stop plate 27 that contacts the front side wall 18 of the box body 10, and a rear stop plate 28 that contacts the rear side wall 19 of the box body 10.

[0084] This design ensures that the ice cubes remain between the ice-pushing component 20 and the open end 11, preventing ice from leaking through the gap between the ice-pushing component 20 and the box body 10 and falling below the ice-pushing component 20, thus guaranteeing the ice storage and dispensing effect of the ice storage box 100. Furthermore, the stop plate also provides support and limits, ensuring the stability and reliability of the ice-pushing component 20 during operation and preventing it from rotating or shaking.

[0085] The stop plate can be inclined toward the wall surface 25 of the open end 11. Specifically, the inner edge of the wall surface 25 can be rounded. This arrangement can reduce the resistance between the ice block and the ice pusher 20 during the ice removal process, making it more labor-saving and convenient.

[0086] The edge of the ice pusher plate 21 can also extend along the side wall of the box body 10 in a direction away from the stop plate. This arrangement can provide support and limit the movement, ensuring the stability and reliability of the ice pusher 20 during operation and preventing the ice pusher 20 from rotating or shaking.

[0087] Furthermore, a guide portion 50 connected to the ice pusher 20 is provided on the side wall.

[0088] The guide portion 50 may be a strip-shaped opening 51 extending vertically on the front sidewall 18 of the box body 10. The extension trajectory of the strip-shaped opening 51 matches the movement trajectory of the ice pusher 20. A connecting post 26 that can slide within the strip-shaped opening 51 is provided on the front stop plate 27 of the ice pusher 20.

[0089] This design serves as a limit and guide, allowing the ice pusher 20 to reciprocate between the ice storage position 40 and the ice storage position 40, ensuring the stability and reliability of the movement process.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ice pusher 20 and the handle 30 can be connected by a thread. The handle 30 is connected to the connecting post 26. This arrangement facilitates user operation of the handle 30 and the ice pusher 20, ensures reliable connection, simple structure, and convenient disassembly and replacement.

[0091] Of course, the handle 30 and the ice pusher 20 can also be integrated. This design makes the connection more reliable.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, a return mechanism may be provided between the ice-pushing component 20 and the box body 10. The return mechanism is used to drive the ice-pushing component 20 to return from the ice-dispensing position 41 to the ice-storing position 40. This configuration enables the ice-pushing component 20 to automatically return to the ice-storing position 40, ensuring that the ice storage box 100 can always store ice to the maximum extent when not dispensing ice, simplifying manual operation for users and making it more labor-saving and convenient.

[0093] In this embodiment, the recovery mechanism can be an elastic element disposed between the ice pusher plate 21 and the bottom wall 12 of the box body 10. This design results in a simple structure, good recovery effect, easy assembly and disassembly, and low cost.

[0094] The ice-pushing component 20 may also be without a return mechanism, automatically returning to the ice storage position 40 under its own weight. This design simplifies the overall structure of the ice storage box 100, making operation easier and more convenient for the user.

[0095] Figure 7 An embodiment of the refrigeration appliance 200 of the present invention is shown.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, the refrigeration appliance 200 includes an ice-making chamber 210, in which an ice maker 220 and an ice storage box 100 are installed. The ice storage box 100 is located below the ice maker 220. The ice storage box 100 located in the ice-making chamber 210 can be as described above.

[0097] The refrigeration appliance may be a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a freezer compartment 211 and a refrigerator compartment 212 disposed above the freezer compartment 211. The ice-making compartment 210 may be disposed within the refrigerator compartment 212 and formed by a partition installed within the refrigerator compartment 212. An ice maker 220 may be disposed on the upper wall of the refrigerator compartment 212. The ice-making compartment 210 includes a compartment opening.

[0098] The ice storage box 100 is pivotally suspended within the ice-making chamber 210. The ice storage box 100 may be suspended on the side wall of the ice-making chamber 210 or suspended on the ice maker 220.

[0099] This configuration improves the accuracy of the positional correspondence between the ice storage box 100 and the ice maker 220, preventing ice from falling outside the ice storage box 100. At the same time, the ice storage box 100 can be limited by the connecting structure on the ice storage box 100, reducing the displacement and shaking of the ice storage box 100.

[0100] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ice storage box 100 is suspended and installed on the ice maker 220. This arrangement enables a modular design of the ice storage box 100 and the ice maker 220, facilitating a unified shape and size, reducing mold and design costs, and also making it easier to assemble and disassemble the ice storage box 100.

[0101] In this embodiment, the ice storage box 100 is open at the top, and its upper end is fitted against the ice maker 220 so that the ice maker 220 can at least partially close the upper opening of the ice storage box 100. This arrangement reduces the gap between the ice maker 220 and the ice storage box 100, preventing ice from falling out of the ice storage box 100 during ice removal from the ice maker 220 or during movement of the ice storage box 100.

[0102] Figures 8 to 14 It shows Figure 7 The ice storage box 100 and ice maker 220 shown are in a first embodiment.

[0103] The ice storage box described in this specific embodiment can adopt the preferred embodiment of the ice storage box of the present invention described above, referring to... Figures 1 to 4 . Reference Figure 8-12 The ice storage box 100 includes a box body 10, which is open at one end facing the compartment opening to form an open end 11. The ice storage box 100 also includes a shielding part 60 disposed at the open end 11 of the box body 10 and a first connecting member 80 disposed away from the open end 11. The shielding part 60 can be at least partially unfolded towards the compartment opening. The box body 10 is suspended and installed in the ice making compartment 210 through the first connecting member 80 and can pivot around the first connecting member 80.

[0104] Furthermore, the shielding part 60 includes a first wall 61, the bottom of which is pivotally connected to the bottom of the housing 10 to open and close the open end 11. The first wall 61 can pivot outward less than or equal to 90 degrees from the position where the open end 11 is closed.

[0105] Users can control the pivot angle of the blocking part 60 to determine the opening degree of the open end 11 as needed. When users want to take a small amount of ice, they can open the open end 11 to a smaller angle, and when users want to take a larger amount of ice, they can open it to a larger angle.

[0106] Furthermore, the left and right sides of the first wall 61 extend toward the box body 10 and form a first shielding wall 62 and a second shielding wall 63 arranged symmetrically. When the open end 11 is opened, the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 partially overlap with the left and right side walls of the box body 10. The left and right side walls of the box body 10 are recessed to form a first recessed portion 16 and a second recessed portion 17 for accommodating the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63, respectively. When the open end 11 is closed, the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 are respectively stacked on the left and right side walls of the box body 10.

[0107] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 may be 90-degree fan-shaped plates. The outer edges of the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 may be rounded. This arrangement facilitates the pivoting of the shielding part 60, ensures the shielding effect, effectively prevents ice cubes from falling, and also ensures the smooth sliding of the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 within the first recess 16 and the second recess 17.

[0108] The first recess 16 and the second recess 17 are formed on the inner sides of the left and right side walls 14 of the box body 10. The sum of the wall thickness of the first shielding wall 62 and the wall thickness at the first recess 16 is equal to the wall thickness of the left side wall 13 of the box body 10. The sum of the wall thickness of the second shielding wall 63 and the wall thickness at the second recess 17 is equal to the wall thickness of the right side wall 14 of the box body 10. This arrangement ensures that the inner and outer surfaces of the left and right sides of the ice storage box 100 are complete planes, preventing interference, and also enables the concealed installation of the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63.

[0109] Users can choose different ice extraction methods according to their needs.

[0110] Reference Figure 9 The user can open the cover 60 located at the open end 11 of the ice storage box 100 without rotating the box body 10. The user can use one hand to unfold the cover 60 outward at a certain angle, such as 45 degrees, and use the other hand to pull the handle 30 connected to the ice pusher 20 to gather the ice at the open end 11. Then the user can use an ice shovel or other ice-retrieving tools to take the ice.

[0111] When a user needs to take a larger amount of ice, without rotating the body 10 of the ice storage box 100, the blocking part 60 can be rotated outward by 90 degrees to form an ice guiding channel 70. The blocking part 60 can be configured to lock in the position where the ice guiding channel 70 is formed. The user can then pull the handle 30, which is connected to the ice pusher 20, to allow the ice to exit directly from the outlet of the ice guiding channel 70. Furthermore, the angle at which the blocking part 60 is rotated outward can be 90 degrees or less, as long as it forms a channel large enough for the ice to slide smoothly.

[0112] Reference Figure 10 Users can simply pivot the box 10 downwards to retrieve ice from the opening at the top of the box 10. Because the box 10 is tilted, the ice cubes can automatically slide and gather at the front end of the box 10, making it easy for users to retrieve the ice.

[0113] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The user can pivot the box 10 downwards, which simultaneously extends the shielding part 60 outwards at a certain angle to facilitate ice removal. The shielding part 60 can extend outwards at a large angle, forming a channel that allows the ice blocks inside the box 10 to slide directly down, namely the ice guiding channel 70.

[0114] This design makes it easy for users to retrieve ice, is simple and labor-saving, and can meet various ice retrieval needs. It solves the problem of inconvenience caused by the ice maker 220 blocking the ice, and at the same time, it can prevent ice from accumulating in places that are difficult to retrieve, ensuring the quality of the ice. It can also prevent ice from falling and leaking from the open end 11, ensuring smooth ice retrieval and clean ice.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first connector 80 is connected to the ice maker 220, and the ice storage box 100 is suspended on the ice maker 220.

[0116] Exhibitor Figure 13 The ice maker 220 has guide grooves 230 symmetrically arranged on its left and right sides, as shown in the reference. Figure 1-4 The first connecting member 80 may include a first roller 81 that cooperates with the guide groove 230. A second roller 82 that cooperates with the guide groove 230 may also be provided on one side of the open end 11 of the box body 10. The guide groove 230 may be provided with an opening 231 facing the compartment opening. The second roller 82 can enter and exit the guide groove 230 through the opening 231.

[0117] This design ensures the stable installation of the ice storage box 100, guaranteeing its smooth and stable movement. The structure is simple and easy to assemble and disassemble, facilitating a modular design between the ice storage box 100 and the ice maker 220. It also reduces the gap between the ice maker 220 and the ice storage box 100, allowing the ice maker 220 to close the opening above the ice storage box 100, preventing ice from falling out of the ice storage box 100 during movement.

[0118] Reference Figure 13 The ice maker 220 may be provided with a detachable guide member 240 forming the guide groove 230. The guide member 240 may include a first member 241 located at the upper part of the guide groove 230, a second member 242 located at the lower part of the guide groove 230, and a third member 243 closing the rear end of the guide groove 230. This configuration can achieve the functions of limiting and guiding the ice storage box, with a simple structure, easy disassembly and assembly, and is conducive to modular design.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall 12 at the opening 231 of the guide groove 230 may protrude upward to form a stop portion 232, and the end of the guide groove 230 opposite to the opening 231 may be closed. The stop portion 232 may be a sloping protrusion. Sufficient space is left above the stop portion 232 for the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 to pass through.

[0120] This design serves as a limit, ensuring that the ice storage box 100 is stably suspended on the ice maker 220, preventing the ice storage box 100 from falling off, while also facilitating the disassembly, assembly, and movement of the ice storage box 100.

[0121] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first component 241 and the second component 242 may further have a limiting wall 243 disposed outside the guide groove 230 to prevent the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 from falling out of the guide groove 230.

[0122] Reference Figure 14 The shielding part 60 may be provided with an operating member 90 for unfolding the shielding part 60. The operating member 90 includes a locking structure 91 for locking the shielding part 60 to the ice maker 220.

[0123] The operating component 90 may include a knob 92, and the locking structure 91 may be a locking plate 93 disposed on the knob 92. A locking port that cooperates with the locking plate 93 is provided at the lower front end of the ice maker 220. Rotating the knob 92 can rotate the locking plate 93 so that the locking plate 93 extends into or moves out of the locking port.

[0124] This configuration enables the ice storage box 100 to be locked and opened, and can cooperate with the first connector 80 to limit the ice storage box 100, so as to securely fix the ice storage box 100 on the ice maker 220 and prevent the ice storage box 100 from falling off during the movement of the refrigeration appliance. The structure is simple and easy to operate and disassemble.

[0125] Figures 15 to 16 It shows Figure 7 The ice storage box 100 and ice maker 220 shown are in a second embodiment.

[0126] Reference Figure 15-16 The shielding part 60 may include a first wall 61, which is fixedly connected to the box body 10 and closes the open end 11. The shielding part 60 also includes a second wall 64 that at least partially overlaps with the first wall 61 and can slide upward relative to the first wall 61.

[0127] The operating element 90 can be disposed on the second wall 64. The left and right sides of the second wall 64 extend toward the box body 10 to form a third shielding wall 65 and a fourth shielding wall 66 arranged symmetrically.

[0128] When the user opens the box 10, pulling the operating component 90 causes the second wall 64 to slide outward and unfold, thus providing a shielding effect to prevent ice from falling when the box 10 is tilted, making it easier for the user to take ice. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient.

[0129] Figure 17 It shows Figure 7 The ice storage box 100 and ice maker 220 shown are in a third embodiment.

[0130] like Figure 17 As shown, the shielding part 60 may include a first wall 61, the bottom of the first wall 61 being pivotally connected to the bottom of the box body 10 to open and close the open end 11, and the first wall 61 being pivotable outward from the position where the open end 11 is closed by less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0131] The left and right sides of the first wall 61 extend toward the box body 10 and form a first shielding wall 62 and a second shielding wall 63 arranged symmetrically. When the open end 11 is opened, the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 partially overlap with the left and right side walls of the box body 10. The left and right side walls of the box body 10 are recessed to form a first recess 16 and a second recess 17 for accommodating the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63, respectively. When the open end 11 is closed, the first shielding wall 62 and the second shielding wall 63 are respectively stacked on the left and right side walls of the box body 10.

[0132] The shielding portion 60 may further include a second wall 64 that at least partially overlaps with the first wall 61 and can slide upward relative to the first wall 61. The operating member 90 may be disposed on the second wall 64. The left and right sides of the second wall 64 extend toward the box body 10 to form a third shielding wall 65 and a fourth shielding wall 66 arranged symmetrically.

[0133] When the user pivots downwards to open the box 10, pulling the operating component 90 causes the first wall 61 to rotate outwards and unfold, while the second wall 64 slides outwards relative to the first wall 61. This design provides better shielding, preventing ice cubes from falling out when the box 10 is tilted. It has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0134] In summary, the ice storage box and refrigeration appliance of this invention can solve the problem of inconvenience for users in retrieving ice in the prior art. The technical solution of this application facilitates ice retrieval, meets various user needs, and allows ice to accumulate near the user's retrieval side, preventing ice from accumulating in inconvenient locations within the ice storage box 100. This ensures that ice produced in the same batch can be used quickly, guaranteeing ice quality. Furthermore, it enables a modular design for the ice storage box 100 and the ice maker 220, facilitating uniformity in shape and size, reducing mold and design costs. Additionally, it prevents ice from falling outside the ice storage box 100 during ice removal from the ice maker 220 or when the ice storage box 100 is moved, ensuring the cleanliness of the ice.

[0135] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0136] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance, comprising an ice-making chamber, the ice-making chamber including a chamber opening, an ice maker installed inside the ice-making chamber and an ice storage box disposed below the ice maker, the ice storage box including a box body, characterized in that, The box body is open at one end facing the compartment opening, forming an open end. The ice storage box also includes a shielding part disposed at the open end of the box body and a first connecting member disposed away from the open end. The shielding part can at least partially unfold towards the compartment opening. The box body is suspended and installed in the ice-making chamber through the first connecting member and can pivot downward around the first connecting member. The front end of the box body is open, forming the open end, and ice cubes can slide and gather at the front end of the box body. The shielding portion includes a first wall, which is fixedly connected to the box body and closes the open end. The shielding portion also includes a second wall that at least partially overlaps with the first wall and can slide upward relative to the first wall.

2. The refrigeration appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector is connected to the ice maker, and the ice storage box is suspended and installed on the ice maker.

3. The refrigeration appliance as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The shielding part is provided with an operating component for unfolding the shielding part. The operating component includes a locking structure for locking the shielding part to the ice maker.

4. The refrigeration appliance as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ice maker has guide grooves symmetrically arranged on its left and right sides. The first connecting member includes a first roller that cooperates with the guide groove. A second roller that cooperates with the guide groove is also provided on one side of the open end of the box body. The guide groove has an opening facing the compartment opening. The second roller can enter and exit the guide groove from the opening.

5. The refrigeration appliance as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom wall at the opening of the guide groove protrudes upward to form a stop, and the end of the guide groove opposite to the opening is closed.

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